New Product Launch Planner

Job Summary

Responsible to coordinate, plan and execute activities to support the New Product Launch, Project Manager in achieving successful new product launches.

Serves as an intermediate technical specialist for New Product Launch (NPL); dealing with Apotex Executives and Management with customized or complex professional services related to new product launches.

Collaborate with counterparts in Sales & Marketing, R&D and across the Supply Chain, throughout the new product launch process to achieve on time in full successful launches.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrate well-developed project management skills by utilizing the tools, systems, methodologies, and software of NPL planning process to plan, co-ordinate and assist the Project Manager to execute all global launches at the SKU level across all sites
• Serve as a senior technical specialist and advisor dealing with Apotex New Product Launch Managers with specialized/customized or highly complex queries. Review SAP Master Data related to the new product launches and verify accuracy/integrity of data.
• Understand time-sensitive nature of new product launches by minimizing and/or eliminating delays within the critical path. Resolve issues as they arise and escalate issues to Project Manager that cannot be resolved.  Ensure all scheduled tasks are on target to achieve launch readiness.
• Lead product launches as required to support the global portfolio management
• Generate data required for product rationalization review on a monthly or as needed basis.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with senior managers and peers to assess NPL requirements, provide advice, determine their customer service level, and manage expectations.
• Plan and request creation of process orders to satisfy launch requirement and plan for pipeline fill for all new product launches.
• Execute change to planned launch dates in DOSE/EPM; collaborate with R&D NPD to ensure alignment of Launch dates in DOSE/EPM.
• Trigger review of forecast by marketing and ensure forecast updates are transmitted to SAP on a timely basis.
• Respond to complex queries from initiation through to launch by providing a specialized level of direct/indirect input in the definition, development, and planning of new product launch activities throughout the NPL process.
• Participate and/lead cross-functional project teams developing systems, policies, procedures, and measures of performance to facilitate continuous improvement of the NPL process.
• Coordinate project plan activities that build on the principles of “Right First Time” for all project tasks to achieve launch readiness status.
• Effectively communicate and use designated systems applications to support new product launches. Responsible for updating and maintaining all systems databases required by the New Products Launch process.
• Liaise with management from across the business to assess customer needs and gather feedback for the purpose of improving customer service.
• Participate in the development of tactical plans to align current practices or process changes with the goals identified in the corporate strategy.
• Performs all work in compliance with our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, and related policies and with the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to our job activities.
• Works as a member of a team to achieve all outcomes.
• Operates in accordance with our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, and all established regulatory, compliance and safety requirements.
• Performs all work in support of our Values: Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance, and Passion and
• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Education
  • University degree or equivalent in Business and/or Science related field
  • PMP Certification is an asset
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Developed Project Management skills,
  • Excellent oral and written English communication skills
  • Excellent understanding of ERP/SAP processes, supply planning and master data
  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of spread sheet, word processing and project management software
  • Strong interpersonal, communication skills
  • Good understanding of the organizations business processes and supply chain.
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to internal and external customers
• Experience
  • Three to five years’ experience in product launch, supply planning or product development in pharmaceutical environment
  • Experience in pharmaceutical or consumer packaged goods product launch process